Since 1990, Forum-Nexus has provided one-of-a-kind study abroad programs for 28 years to over 3,400 students and counting. Our team of faculty and staff is made up of internationally diverse, successful individuals who are all equally passionate about travel and education. Follow along as we share Q&As with those who lead the FN team year-round.

We continue our staff spotlights with Social Media Manager & Admissions Counselor Alyssa Fronk. Fun fact: Her first trip abroad was with Forum-Nexus! Read about her personal study abroad experience, what she recommends for future FN students, and learn what she does in her role with Forum-Nexus. Meet our resident millennial… #ThisisForumNexus!

Courtesy of Laura Alvarez

Q: Tell us about your background. In what cities and countries have you lived? Where did you study?

AF: I’ve been U.S. based my entire life – so far! I was born in New York, but grew up in North Carolina. I attended UNC Charlotte where I majored in Mass Media Communication, and now reside in Charlotte post-grad.

Q: How many times have you participated in FN programs?

AF: Wow… four now?! I attended Forum-Nexus for the first time in 2014 as a student and have been back every year since to serve as a staff member. Obviously it’s the best program ever because I can’t stay away.

During the summer program, you can find me coordinating operations with our awesome crew and running around Snapchatting everything, lol.

Q: What languages do you speak?

AF: For now, I only speak English, but Dr. Hervitz (Hugo) has inspired me to pick up another language – which I plan to do!

Q: What do you find special about Forum-Nexus? About FN students?

AF: Forum-Nexus is more than a study abroad program. It’s truly a life-changing experience and an amazing community to be a part of. I love that we are made up of people from all over the world with different backgrounds, lifestyles, beliefs, etc. but we are all bonded by a love for travel and interest to learn about other cultures. Also, we all know how to have fun. I’ve had the best four summers of my life thanks to Forum-Nexus.

I really admire all of the FN students. Everyone is genuinely interesting and accomplished in their own way. Meeting different people from all over the world is the most special aspect of Forum-Nexus.

Q: How does participating in FN help students with their future careers?

AF: Forum-Nexus is a kickstarter of careers and professional development. Students who study abroad are usually more open-minded, better communicators, willing to work with different cultures, and natural self-motivators. FN summers are fast-paced and extremely enriching, which is a huge takeaway for students post-summer. I don’t know a student who hasn’t left their FN summer inspired to chase their dreams and goals.

Q: Why are professional visits important for FN students?

AF: The professional visits are so important and really make Forum-Nexus stand out in excellence compared to other study abroad programs. The opportunity to meet with top employees of world-renowned organizations/businesses in your twenties is almost unheard of. The professional exposure is beneficial for networking, career inspiration, and to of course learn about international businesses.

Q: Which are your favorite cities in the FN itinerary and why?

AF: Amsterdam is a new addition to the 2018 itinerary and I’m so excited for future students to be able to experience that whimsical city! I’ve visited in past summers and have always enjoyed my time there. I also love Chamonix; there is a reason alumni and staff members talk about it all the time. There’s no place like it! But make no mistake, all of the cities on the itinerary are lovely.

Q: What is your favorite activity you did as a FN student?

AF: A few things…

Climbing up the Eiffel Tower. This was actually an accident because I stood in the wrong line, but it’s so much cooler to be able to say that I climbed up the tower.

Hanging out at the top of Mount Le Brévent in Chamonix. Words don’t even do it justice. If I could physically share that experience with everyone, I would.

Cove hopping on a boat in Greece. Full disclosure, I did this as a staff member after the program ended this past summer, but it was a bucket list moment for me.

Q: What is your advice to future FN students on how to benefit the most from their study abroad experience?

AF: Come with an open mind, ready to step out of your comfort zone, and try new things. Specifically, try to befriend another student of a different culture/background than you and someone who isn’t similar to your friends back home. My FN friends are some of my most cherished relationships. We’re all very different and have learned, and continue to learn, from each other.

Q: What is one “life lesson” you’ve learned from your time with FN?

AF: To never think that your own culture/country/way of life is the “best.” There’s no such thing and it’s not a competition. That mindset is narrow and shallow; we have so much to learn about people of other cultures that can better our perspective of life.

Q: How many countries have you traveled to?

AF: I have marked 9 countries off my list so far: Germany, Ireland, England, Iceland, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Greece. Many more to go!

Courtesy of Alyssa Fronk

Q: Where do you want to travel to next?

AF: I would love to explore Canada soon and visit a handful of Asian countries during my twenties. And now I have dozens of study abroad friends spread out all over the world to visit!
Ready to book your ticket to a life-changing summer abroad? Apply today for FREE at forum-nexus.com.

We’re back for our 28th year of providing enriching, multi-country study abroad programs, and thrilled to announce our next program… Forum Europe Summer 2018: 9 Cities in 1 Month. Interested in studying abroad next summer? Here is the inside scoop on our upcoming life-changing program. For full program details, visit forum-nexus.com/summer2018

Destination 1: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Our full month in Europe kicks off with a 4-day stay in the heart of the Netherlands. Our staff will greet Forum-Nexus students at the Schiphol Airport, coordinate transfers to the hotel, and officially welcome everyone at the Opening Ceremony celebration that afternoon.

While in Amsterdam, you can visit the Van Gogh Museum, tour the Anne Frank House, or take bike or boat rides around the city. Students will begin their academic experience with classes and professional visits to leading global companies and international organizations unique to the Netherlands.

We dare you not to fall in love with the mesmerizing canals, unique architecture, kind locals, and rich history in Amsterdam.

Destination 2: Paris, France

Together with Forum-Nexus staff and professors, the group will travel by high-speed train from Amsterdam to the center of French culture, politics, and business: Paris!

During our 5-day stay in the capital of France, you will be able to visit the Louvre Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and stroll along the banks of the Seine River and the famous Champs-Elysees. The week also include visits to prominent French companies and enriching class time.

That weekend, there will be an Optional FN Day Trip the one and only Palace of Versailles. You are also welcome to take your own Independent Weekend Excursions to nearby London or Barcelona.

Destination 3: Geneva, Switzerland

Next, we’ll bid Paris “Au revoir” and board a private coach to the Swiss Alps. Our day trip to Geneva will be spent visiting top European organizations (United Nations and CERN), taking in the Swiss lakeside city, and finding the best chocolate. We love Geneva for its highly cosmopolitan feel and gorgeous scenery.

Destination 4: Chamonix, France

After Geneva, breathtaking mountains, lakes, and forests will welcome our group to the resort town of Chamonix. For 4 days, you can unwind from big city life and get the opportunity to explore the beautiful French Alps.

Classes will be held during the morning in the hotel’s conference center. The afternoons are free to explore local attractions and participate in several outdoor activities, at your leisure of course. The best part of our stay? Taking in the spectacular views of the snow-covered peaks of Mont Blanc.

Destination 5: Lugano, Switzerland

From Chamonix we depart on a day trip to the Lake District at the border of Italy and Switzerland. The first stop will be to the picturesque lakeside city of Lugano, an established center of business, banking, and higher education.

The group will visit the pristine campus of Franklin University Switzerland, a U.S.-accredited liberal arts university with a highly international student body.

Destination 6: Lake Como, Italy

We continue to the Italian city of Como, known for its picturesque waterfront, bustling piazzas, and prominent silk industry. You will have time to eat, explore, and learn about Como’s unique history. Our visit isn’t complete without gelato and a group picture by the lake!

Destination 7: Milan, Italy

After a day spent by beautiful lakes, we will arrive in Milan, Italy’s proud capital of business, finance, and fashion. Get ready to shop and feast during our 3-day stay. Cultural highlights include the Duomo di Milano, Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper” , and the designer district of Via Montenapoleone.

On the weekend, you can participate in Optional FN Day Trips to Venice and/or Florence. Berlin and Prague are also easily accessible for an Independant Weekend Excursion.

Destination 8: Rome, Italy

Once our time in Milan wraps up, we’ll pack our bags and board a high-speed train to the eternal city of Rome! Known best for its unique culture, abundant history, and food, the following 5 days in Rome will be well spent. Get ready to check off the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, the Coliseum, and more off your travel list.

You can look forward to class sessions at the hotel and a professional visit to the headquarters of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.

During the weekend, there will be an Optional FN Day Trip to the famous Island of Capri. For Independent Weekend Excursions, we suggest Athens or Santorini.

Destination 9: Rhodes, Greece

Our month of travels concludes with a 6-day long getaway to the beautiful Greecian Island of Rhodes. The group will stay at a 5-star beachside resort, attend classes in the resort’s conference center, and enjoy free time to explore the charming Old Town or relax at the beach. At the end of the week, you can look forward to a farewell dinner and diploma ceremony featuring traditional Greek food and music.

During the week, there will be an Optional FN Day Trip to Lindos, which includes a visit to the stunning Acropolis overlooking the sea. Once Forum Europe 2018 concludes, you may fly back home or to their next destination.

Are you ready to book your ticket to a life-changing summer? Apply online for free at www.forum-nexus.com. Submit your application before October 31 and save $1,200 on tuition cost!